Summary
This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, that currently requires a visual inspection to detect cracks or discrepancies in the aft mount beam assembly of the engines; and replacement of the cracked or discrepant aft mount beam assembly with a new assembly, or a previously inspected and re-identified assembly. That amendment was prompted by reports of cracking in a certain aft mount beam assembly on Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This action would continue to require the visual inspection, and corrective actions for findings of cracking or discrepancies. This action would require additional inspections to detect cracks or discrepancies in the subject area, and follow-on actions. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent cracks in the aft mount beam assembly of the engines, which could result in loss of the capability of the aft mount beam assembly to support engine [[Page 32927]] loads, and possible separation of the engine from the airplane.